Since launching way back in 2011, Nintendo eShop has gone on to become one of the most popular gaming platforms, attracting millions of users across the globe with its wide selection of games, merchandise, hardware and downloadable content.

While the Nintendo eShop stopped offering new content for the WII U and 3DS back in 2022, the eShop is still going strong with plenty of great games available for users on the Nintendo Switch.

One of the biggest draws of Nintendo has always been its ability to capture such a wide range of gamers across different age groups and genders. While its retro games such as Mario Bros and Zelda, take the older generation of gamers back to the 1980s again, Nintendo has also been able to capture a younger generation with more recent game launches such as the Pokemon series.

In this article, we take a closer look at our Top 5 games available on the Nintendo Switch for 2023.

Minecraft Legends

Get ready to explore a new Minecraft world and stop the piglins’ invasion in the latest release in the Minecraft series. Set for release on April 18th, Minecraft Legends is a spin-off of the popular Minecraft games, offering a range of different playable options including online campaign co-op and competitive multiplayer options, allowing players to form strategic alliances with friends and defend the overlord together as a team. Available for Pre-order Now!

The Legend of Zelda : Tears of the Kingdom

Developed exclusively for the Nintendo Switch, The Legend of Zelda : Tears of the Kingdom takes players on an epic adventure across the land and skies of Hyrule. As a sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wind, the adventure is yours to create as you decide your own path through the land and skies of Hyrule. Available for Pre-order now and set for release on 12th May this year this game is set to be one of this year’s most anticipated releases.

Sea of Stars

This turn-based RPG game tells the story of two children of the solstice who go on an adventure, taking on the evil Fleshmancer while using the combined powers of the Sun and Moon to perform Eclipse magic. Set for release on August 29th this year, this RPG game offers players the opportunity to engage in turn-based combat as well as explore and create their own adventure through sailing, swimming, climbing and exploring the vast lands. Visit Nintendo eShop now to access the Exclusive Demo of Sea of Stars!

Fitness Boxing Fist of the North Star

Exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, this latest addition to Fitness Boxing on the Nintendo Switch, Fist of the North Star offers a whole host of new content to those looking to keep fit and boost their fitness this spring. Familiar characters such as the instructor Kenshiro guide you through as you punch your way through the many enemies standing in your way. This latest addition to the Fitness Boxing series now includes a new battle mode allowing you to compete against rivals, all while keeping fit and having fun! 

Metroid Prime Remastered

Just over 20 years since the original Metroid was released on the Gamecube back in 2002, Retro Studios have revamped Metroid Prime remastered for the Nintendo Switch. Continuing with the essence of the original game, this epic title is a must for retro gamers who will have fond memories of the original Metroid. This latest revamp by Retro Studios is the first attempt at bringing the classic game into 3D format. Released on 8th February and available to download now at Nintendo eShop.

Nintendo Switch Online – What’s Included?

Switch Online is Nintendo’s version of PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold. This paid subscription service gives members access to online multiplayer play for a wide variety of games. As well as having the ability to play against friends online, members also get access to a growing library of Nintendo games at no extra cost. If you are a lover of retro classics you will be in for a treat with games such as Super Mario Bros, Donkey Kong and the Legend of Zelda all available for download.

Members of Switch online also have the added bonus of being able to play a variety of games from the Super Nintendo console (SNES), such as Mario Kart, and Super Mario World as well as popular Game boy titles such as Tetris. With over 100 game titles available across the collection, a Switch online subscription is a must-have for retro game lovers and those looking for a blast from the past.

Nintendo Switch Online – How Much Does It Cost?

A subscription to Switch Online varies in cost depending on the type of payment plan you choose. With monthly, quarterly and yearly subscriptions available. Additionally, to this, there is an option for a Family membership which includes up to 8 Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions. This allows different family members to access all the features of Nintendo Switch online across different consoles or even on the same Switch device.

After completing a 1 week trial the following costs apply for a Nintendo Switch Online subscription:

Individual Membership

1 Month Subscription (30 Days) – $3.99/ 3.99 Euro

3 Months Subscription (90 Days) – $7.99 / 7.99 Euro

12 Months Subscription (365 Days) – $19.99 / $19.99 Euro

Family Membership 

12 Months (365 Days) – $34.99 / 34.99 Euro

How to Sign Up for Nintendo Switch Online Membership

You can sign up for a Nintendo Switch Online Membership directly at www.nintendo.com as well as through your Switch device itself by clicking on the eShop icon at the bottom of the main menu screen. If you have not got one already, you will need to sign up for a Nintendo account before you can take advantage of the Switch online membership options.

Another popular option for purchasing a Nintendo Switch Online Membership is by purchasing a Nintendo eShop Gift Digital Gift Card. Available in denominations of $10, $20, $35 and $50 these Nintendo eShop Gift cards are a great way to add funds to your Nintendo account. As well as the above denominations you can also purchase Monthly and yearly memberships including the Nintendo Family Switch 12-Month Online Membership.

As well as being a convenient way to add funds, Nintendo eShop digital gift cards also make a great gift for family and friends.

Since launching in 2017, Mana Minds has grown to become one of the leading wholesale distributors of digital gift cards, gaming subscriptions and software to online gaming retailers across the globe. With over 60 leading brands in our portfolio, we manage and distribute digital gift cards in bulk quantities to our network of retailers and gaming partners across the globe.

For more information visit www.manaminds.com